Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines

Colorectal cancer has no detectable signs or symptoms in the early stages. That is why getting screened regularly is so important. Colorectal cancer is highly treatable – and often curable – when caught early.

It’s the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.

When cancer starts in the colon, it's called colon cancer. If it starts in the rectum, it's called rectal cancer. Colorectal cancer includes cancers that occur in both the colon and rectum.

When to Screen for Colon Cancer

Your colon cancer screening plan may look different based on your age and risk factors. OSF HealthCare follows the American Cancer Society colorectal cancer screening guidelines, which recommend:

Beginning at age 45 – Colonoscopy every 10 years. If you have a family history or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend getting screened earlier or more often. Other colorectal cancer screening options include:

Stool-based test every year
Stool-based DNA test every three years
CT colonography test every five years

Beginning at age 75 – Talk with your doctor about whether continued screening is right for you.

Colon Cancer Risk Factors

Knowing your colon cancer risk factors can help you to take proactive steps to prevent and detect colorectal cancer. Some factors that increase your risk include:

Age – Most cases occur in individuals over 50, though younger people can be affected.
Personal history – A history of colorectal cancer or certain polyps increases your risk.
Family history – A family history of colorectal cancer increases your risk.
Inherited gene mutations – Mutations like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis significantly heighten risk.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Long-standing IBD, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, increases risk.
Diet – A diet high in red and processed meats and low in fiber, fruits and vegetables increases your risk.
Lifestyle – Lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol and being overweight are associated with higher risk.
Racial and ethnic backgrounds – Certain groups, including Blacks and Ashkenazi Jews, have a higher risk.
Type 2 diabetes – Individuals with Type 2 diabetes may face increased risk.
Radiation exposure – Previous radiation therapy, especially in the pelvic area, may increase risk.

Having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee that you will develop colorectal cancer.

Types of Colon Cancer Screenings

There are several options to complete your colon cancer screening. Your care team can help guide you to the best option for you, based on various factors, including individual risk, personal preferences and your primary care provider’s recommendation.

Colonoscopy– Considered the preferred method for colon cancer screening, this method uses a long, flexible tube with a camera to examine the entire colon. The provider can remove any polyps or take tissue samples.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy – Uses a similar tube with a camera, but only examines the rectum and lower colon. A follow-up colonoscopy is needed if abnormalities are found.
Stool-based tests – This method is only suitable for those at low risk. You will need a colonoscopy if the test is positive. Options include:
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): Detects hidden blood in stool, performed at home
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): Similar to FIT but uses a chemical reaction to find blood
- Stool DNA test: Identifies blood and genetic changes in stool, also performed at home

What to Expect During Your Colonoscopy

The night before your colonoscopy, your provider will instruct you on how to cleanse your colon, which will provide a more accurate screening. This process will include taking a prescribed colon cleanse beverage and anti-gas medication, along with fasting.

The procedure itself is low risk and takes about 30 minutes. You will be sedated the entire time, which should feel like a deep, restful nap.

After the procedure, you will wake up in a recovery room, where you'll be monitored for a short time. After recovery, you will be able to eat and resume your day. Because you will be sedated, you will need someone to drive you home.

Get Started

Talk to your primary care provider about your risk factors and which screening option works best for you. If you don’t have an primary care provider, find one near you in our provider directory.

Find a Provider

Colorectal Cancer Health Risk Assessment

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis in men and women. This quick assessment estimates your lifetime colorectal cancer risk. It looks at your lifestyle, genetics and personal health history. This makes it easier to talk to your provider about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and when to start screenings.

Take the Assessment